Loose-leaf binder



Jan. 19, 1943. w p

LOOSE LEA BINDER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 8, 1941 Jafi. 19, 1943. w PITT LoosE LEAF BINDER Filed March 8, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 19, 1943 LOOSE-LEAF BINDER William Pitt, Union, N. J., Jones Company, Chicago,

Massachusetts assignor to Wilson- III., a corporation of Application March 8, 1941, Serial No. 382,281

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a loose-leaf binder and refers particularly to a locking post for the same.

It is an object of this invention to provide simple and efiicient means for rotating one section of a locking post a predetermined distance in either direction to lock or to unlock the post sections, Other objects of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a loose leaf binder embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective View of the section of the binder in disassembled position;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the binder showing the locking post in open position;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line IVIV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VV of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the locking post in locked position;

Figure '7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VIIVII of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7; and

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 3.

In the drawings, the reference numerals 2 and 3 indicate a pair of angle back members to which cover members 4 and 5 are hinged. The bottom member 2 has a plurality of tubular posts 6 secured thereto in any suitable manner. The bottom member is also provided with one or more tubular posts I provided with a plurality of transverse serrations 8 aligned longitudinally of the post. The top member 3 is provided with a plurality of male post sections 9 adapted to telescope in the tubular posts 6 and one or more locking posts I0 adapted to cooperate with the tubular post sections 1 to lock the binder against expansion.

The locking post I0 is provided with a. longitudinal recess II extending the length of the post to permit relative movement between the post sections 1 and I 0 when the groove II is aligned with the serrations 8. The post section III is provided with a series of transverse serrations I2 extending longitudinally of the post and engageable with the serrations 8 to prevent expansion of the binder. The serrations I2 are adjacent the groove II and the post I0 is rotatable through an angle of approximately degrees to move the serrations I 2 and the groove II alternately into registration with the serrations 8.

The amount of rotation of the post section I0 is limited by the shape of its head I3 which fits in a depression I4 in the top member 3. The depression I4 is circular except that one side is fiat, as indicated at I5. The head I3 is substantially circular except a portion is cut away as indicated at I6 to permit limited rotation of the head. The shoulder I'I formed on the head at the intersection of one end of the cut away portion with the true circumference of the head abuts the flat portion I5 to limit the rotation of the post It in one direction, and the similar shoulder I8 engages the flattened portion I5 to limit the rotation of the post in the opposite direction.

The head I3 is illustrated as being provided with a coin slot to facilitate rotation thereof, but it will be understood that any other means may be substituted. The post It] is provided adjacent the headed end with a groove I9 which engages an angular flange 20 formed on the bottom of the depression I4 to permit rotation of the post In and prevent separation of the post from the top member 3. The angular flange 20 may be peened in the groove I9. If desired, the head I3 may be formed separately of the post I0 and the two secured together in any suitable manner.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have described a simple structure in which a plurality of sheets may be securely bound Without any likelihood of the binder parts becoming accidentally separated. When it is desired to open the binder to insert new sheets or to remove sheets therefrom, it is necessary only to rotate the locking post approximately 90 degrees and the cover may be easily removed. When the cover is replaced it is necessary only to rotate the locking post the same distance in the opposite direction to securely lock the binder.

Although I have described one embodiment of my invention in detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is illustrative, rather than restrictive, as many details may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention. Accordingly, I do not desire to be restricted to the exact details of construction described, except as limited by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a loose-leaf binder, a rotatable locking post having a head at one end, said head fitting in a depression in one portion of said binder,

one side of said depression being flattened and engaging said head to limit rotation thereof.

2. In a loose-leaf binder, a clamping member having a depression therein, one side of said depression being flattened, and a locking post having a head fitting in said depression, said head having a portion of its peripheral edge cut away to permit limited rotation of said post relative to said clamping member, the shoulder formed on the head by the intersection of the end of the cut away portion with the regular circumference of the head constituting a stop abutting said flattened portion of the depression to limit the rotation of said locking post.

WILLIAM PITT. 

